About Lake Guntersville Junior Sailing
Who We Are
Lake Guntersville Junior Sailing is a nonprofit organization dedicated to introducing young people across the Tennessee Valley to the lifelong sport of sailing. Rooted in the belief that time on the water builds confidence, character, and community, our program combines hands-on instruction with an emphasis on teamwork, safety, and stewardship. From first-time sailors to aspiring racers, we provide youth of all skill levels with opportunities to learn, grow, and explore Alabama’s beautiful Lake Guntersville while developing skills that extend far beyond the boat.
Founded more than a decade ago by Captain Kelvin Troughton, the program began in the most memorable of settings—his own backyard pond—where he first started teaching local children the fundamentals of sailing. What began as one mentor sharing his love of the water has grown into a lasting community program that has introduced generations of young people to sailing, competition, and self-confidence.
Captain Kelvin’s warmth, humor, patience, and steady guidance helped shape the spirit of the organization from the beginning. To many families, he has been far more than an instructor—he has been a trusted mentor whose influence can be seen in the confidence and character of the sailors he has helped guide. Today, he continues to support the program as Commodore Emeritus.
Lake Guntersville Junior Sailing proudly carries forward his founding vision by creating affordable, meaningful opportunities for youth to discover the joy of sailing and the lessons it teaches for life.
Our Mission
Our mission is to cultivate a lifelong appreciation for sailing, water safety, and marine stewardship through accessible youth programs that inspire personal growth, teamwork, and respect for the environment. We believe that sailing is more than a sport — it’s a classroom without walls where young people learn responsibility, patience, and perseverance while discovering the joy of the natural world.
What We Do
Youth Sailing Camps: Hands-on instruction that introduces students to sailing fundamentals, knot-tying, rigging, and safe boating practices.
Racing & Skill Development: Opportunities for young sailors to join our regional racing team and compete across the Southeast, gaining experience and confidence on and off the water.
Community Engagement: We partner with local schools and families to promote access to sailing for youth in the Tennessee Valley.
Stewardship & Education: Through every program, we teach care for our lake and the environment that sustains it.
Why It Matters
Lake Guntersville Junior Sailing empowers the next generation to navigate more than wind and water — it teaches them to navigate life. Our sailors learn teamwork, resilience, and leadership, building friendships that stretch beyond the shoreline. With guidance from dedicated volunteers and community partners, we’re shaping confident, capable young people who understand the value of respect, safety, and stewardship both on and off the water.
Where We Sail
Lake Guntersville Junior Sailing proudly operates from two North Alabama locations:
Lake Guntersville Sailing Club – 21500 US-431, Guntersville, AL 35976
Our primary lake venue for practices, regattas, and open-water sailing on beautiful Lake Guntersville. Coordinates are 34° 24' 42.07'' N, -86° 16' 3.27'' WLake Hauns in Hampton Cove, Alabama – Convenient Huntsville-area location used for youth camp, training, and outreach.
Our two-site model allows us to serve families across the Tennessee Valley while giving sailors access to varied training environments.
